Analysis of Greenery Cover Change in Lower Hanthana in Sri Lanka for two decades

The Hanthana mountain range, nestled in Kandy, Sri Lanka, has long been celebrated for its breath-taking hiking trails. However, recent years have seen a concerning decline in vegetation across its lower reaches, triggering environmental degradation. A comprehensive study has been initiated, employing a two-phase methodology to tackle this issue. In the initial phase, advanced unsupervised classification techniques were applied using ArcGIS software on satellite imagery from 2000 to 2022. Moving on to the second phase, "Land-use change metrics" within Microsoft Excel were harnessed to precisely quantify alterations in vegetation cover alongside changes in other crucial land-use categories such as urban expanses, barren terrain, and green cover. These meticulous assessments, conducted regarding percentage shifts and hectares impacted, offer invaluable insights into the magnitude of biodiversity decline, developmental encroachments, soil erosion patterns, air quality deterioration, and overall environmental distress prevalent in the lower Hanthana area. The results reveal significant land use changes between 2000 and 2022, with green cover declining by 57%, built-up areas increasing by 208%, and bare land expanding by 234%. These shifts indicate rapid urbanization and ecological degradation, leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. The findings emphasize the need for sustainable land management strategies, including reforestation and green infrastructure, to mitigate environmental impacts and balance development with conservation.